Toddlers 'n Tiaras

Last weekend Laina Dee had a dance recital. Now I've never seen the Toddlers 'n Tiaras show, but I'm guessing that my experience back stage as a "stage mom" is probably right in line with the show. There was hair spraying and glittering and lipsticking and all sorts of crazy beauty going on and we were in the "mini" room...so no one was older than 8! I felt that Laina and her pink eyeshadow and crimped hair were WAY underdone (don't worry...I made up for it the 2nd night - yes they do this recital 2 nights in a row - I let her and her friend pick their eyeshadow and they went for the turquoise...don't ask me why I have turquoise in my bag??...) Needless to say - the girls were in dancing queen heaven. Our friend offered a pony to his daughter if she'd quit dance so that he (speaking for all the fathers there - or at least the one I was sitting next to) didn't have to suffer through another recital. However, he showed up with a balloon (that unfortunately said "thanks for a job well done" - Matt still can't stop laughing about it) and some flowers so his daughter ignored his offer.
Ella was like a little chihuahua...the ultimate pet/toy...they girls pulled her around on a blanket and played and played until she got sick of them and crawled to the safety of her mother's knees.

MEANWHILE...backstage...El is preparing for her role as the next E*Trade baby...and yes...she'll say "hi" if you're lucky. The last image is my favorite - I call it "Cheeks in all their Glory"!!